Keir Starmer has emphasized the threat posed by the Russian government following an attack on a London warehouse allegedly sponsored by Russia.
During a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Starmer condemned the recent sentencing of six individuals involved in a Russian-backed arson attack on a warehouse in East London. The warehouse housed humanitarian aid and satellite equipment intended for Ukraine, underscoring the interconnected security between nations.
Starmer accused Vladimir Putin of prolonging the conflict, stating that Putin’s recent strikes on civilians, including a 12-year-old girl and a six-month-old baby, demonstrate his reluctance to end the war. The orchestrated arson in London, linked to the Wagner paramilitary group, was deemed part of a wider campaign of terrorism and sabotage on behalf of the Russian state.
The British orchestrator, Dylan Earl, received a 17-year prison sentence for the arson, which caused significant damage to a warehouse owned by a Ukrainian couple supplying Starlink satellite communication devices to Ukraine’s military.
Zelensky urged allies to support a strong and fair resolution to the conflict, emphasizing that any territorial discussions should not reward aggression. Starmer echoed this sentiment, rejecting Putin’s demands for Ukrainian land and highlighting the unity among the coalition of supportive nations.
The group, comprising over 30 nations, reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict, emphasizing a united front against Russian aggression. Starmer criticized Putin for obstructing peace efforts and making unreasonable land claims, emphasizing that such demands are unacceptable and unattainable.
The Prime Minister, alongside Zelensky and other world leaders, reaffirmed their commitment to ending the bloodshed and supporting a just and lasting peace during a virtual meeting hosted from the Foreign Office.